Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s not just delicious but also a clever way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers. That’s exactly what you get with this Turkey Noodle Soup recipe! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together in no time, perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something cozy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Satisfying: This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Quick and Easy: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this soup with different vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers: It’s an excellent way to use up leftover turkey from holiday meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive Oil and Butter: Creates a flavorful base for sautéing vegetables.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: The classic soup veggie trio, providing flavor and nutrition.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor to the broth.
- Turkey Broth: Forms the savory base of the soup.
- Fresh Thyme and Bay Leaf: Herbs that infuse the soup with aromatic flavors.
- Egg Noodles: Adds substance and a nice texture to the soup.
- Cooked Turkey: The star of the show, giving the soup its hearty character.
- Black Pepper and Parsley: For seasoning and a fresh finish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add some frozen peas or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer soup.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles or substitute with rice.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
How to Make Turkey Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, celery, and salt. Cook until vegetables soften, then add garlic.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the turkey broth, water, and add thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Cook Noodles and Turkey
Add noodles, turkey, and pepper. Simmer until noodles are cooked al dente.
Step 4: Final Touches
Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Vegetable Prep: Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Noodle Timing: Add noodles towards the end to prevent overcooking.
- Turkey Texture: If using white meat, add it with the noodles to prevent drying out.
- Flavor Boost: Use homemade turkey stock if possible for richer flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this soup piping hot in large bowls. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping
- A simple green salad for a complete meal
- Crackers or croutons for added crunch
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the soup.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Chicken works great in this recipe. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
How can I make the soup thicker?
Add a flour slurry (mix flour with cold water) or some mashed potatoes to thicken the broth.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about 1/3 of the amount called for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more potent.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
It freezes well without the noodles. Add fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.
This Turkey Noodle Soup is more than just a recipe – it’s a delicious way to transform leftovers into a whole new meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a way to use up holiday turkey, this soup has got you covered. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Print
Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Turkey Noodle Soup is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey. Packed with tender vegetables, flavorful broth, and comforting egg noodles, it’s a warm and satisfying meal for cold days.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 onion, chopped (280g)
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped (226g)
- 3 stalks celery, sliced (130g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups turkey broth (1.92L)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 ounces uncooked egg noodles (170g)
- 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped (340g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat a large dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the onion, carrots, celery and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Simmer broth: Add the broth, 2 cups of water, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Cook noodles and turkey: Add the noodles, turkey, and pepper. Once simmering again, cook for 7 minutes, or according to the cook time for the noodles on the package instructions, until they are al dente.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with additional salt and ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the parsley and serve.
Notes
- For a thicker broth, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of flour when adding the garlic. Cook for 1 extra minute, stirring frequently, until no dry flour is visible, then add the broth.
- You can also stir in some heavy cream, sour cream, or leftover mashed potatoes at the end of cooking for a creamier texture.
- If using white meat, add it when you add the noodles to prevent it from drying out.
- If you don’t have leftover turkey, use shredded rotisserie chicken as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
